The nurse in the eye clinic is examining a 67-year-old patient who says "I see small spots that move around in front of my eyes." Which action will the nurse take first?
a. Immediately have the ophthalmologist evaluate the patient.
b. Explain that spots and "floaters" are a normal part of aging.
c. Inform the patient that these spots may indicate retinal damage.
d. Use an ophthalmoscope to examine the posterior eye chambers.
ANS: D
Although "floaters" are usually caused by vitreous liquefaction and are common in aging patients, they can be caused by hemorrhage into the vitreous humor or by retinal tears, so the nurse's first action will be to examine the retina and posterior chamber. Although the ophthalmologist will examine the patient, the presence of spots or floaters in a 65-year-old is not an emergency. The spots may indicate retinal damage, but the nurse should assess the eye further before discussing this with the patient.
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